Access Guide
Introduction
- The Symphony Hall is located within The ICC (International Convention Centre).
- If you need the assistance of a companion to attend an event, you’re entitled to a free companion ticket as part of our Access Scheme.
- Assisting Companion tickets are available for the majority of Symphony Hall events. However, there is a limit on the number available for each show, so we advise you to book early where possible. .
- Please contact us on 0121 289 6333 (Monday to Saturday between 10:00 - 14:00) when booking your tickets so we can discuss your needs. .
- To be eligible for free Assisting Companion tickets, please join our Access Scheme by completing the appropriate form available online athttps://www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility.
Box Office Opening Times
- The box office is open 11:00 - 16:00 Monday to Saturday and also two hours before show start times.
Opening Times (Symphony Hall)
- Opening times for the venue vary according to bookings/events taking place.
Location
- The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
- This venue is situated in Birmingham.
- The venue is in a pedestrian area.
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest mainline station is Birmingham New Street.
Parking (Blue Badge)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park is located at the rear of the venue.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can be booked in advance.
- There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 340cm x 400cm (11ft 2in x 13ft 1in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Centenary Square / Car Park entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 44m (48yd 4in) from the Centenary Square / Car Park entrance.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is/are uneven surfaces.
- The car park surface is cobbled.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop off point.
- The drop off point is located in front of the venue.
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Comments
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- Once booked via 0121 289 6343, Symphony Hall Disabled Parking is located either in KAP or Bay B.
- KAP is located between the Symphony Hall (within the ICC) and The Birmingham Repertory Theatre buildings and is accessible from King Edwards Road or Cambridge Street via the KAP barrier.
- Bay B is located at the back of the ICC building next to the Prince of Wales Pub and is accessible from Cambridge Street via the gated entrance.
- Symphony Hall Disabled drop-off facilities, once booked via 0121 780 4949, is at KAP, located between the Symphony Hall (within the ICC) and The Birmingham Repertory Theatre buildings and is accessible from King Edwards Road or Cambridge Street via the KAP barrier. Customers can enter via the KAP barrier, drop-off at the main entrance to the building and exit back onto Broad Street.
Outside Access (Centenary Square / Car Park Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
Level Change (Centenary Square / Car Park Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located immediately beyond the entrance.
- There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Outside Access (Brindley Place Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 162cm (5ft 4in).
Level Change (Brindley Place Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the left beyond the entrance.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located immediately beyond the entrance.
- There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Reception (Box Office)
- The desk/counter is 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is not level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The lighting levels are medium.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
Inside Access
- There is not level access to the service(s).
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played in the theatre.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Level Change (Inside Access - Level 3)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located behind the Brindley Place lift leading up to Symphony Hall.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located behind the Brindley Place lift leading up to Symphony Hall.
- There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 3-4-5-5a.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Lift (Symphony Hall)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left as you enter.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 3-4-5-5a.
- The lift is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 140cm (4ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
Lift (Brindley Place)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located near the Brindley Place entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2-3-4-5.
- The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Brindley Place entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 94cm (3ft 1in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 146cm x 178cm (4ft 9in x 5ft 10in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is bright.
Level Change (Theatre)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located immediately beyong the the theatre entrance on level 3.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
Theatre (Symphony Hall)
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located on level 3.
- Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
- A companion may sit with you.
- Companions sit directly next to you.
- It is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
- This venue does not provide audio described performances.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is infrared.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
- The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow a wheelchair,contact a member of staff.
- Concessions are available.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
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Comments
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- Additional designated seating can be made available on upper levels but this is at the discretion of the box office at the time of booking.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow but this is only available for transferring to seating areas.
- Concession prices vary depending on the show.
Eating and Drinking (Heineken Bar - Level 3)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on level 3, to the left after you enter.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 34m (37yd 7in) from the main entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The standard height for tables is 73cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
Eating and Drinking (Heineken Bar - Level 4)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on level 4.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
- The standard height for tables is 109cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
Eating and Drinking (Heineken Lounge - Level 5)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on level 5.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 40cm (1ft 4in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
Eating and Drinking (Bar - Level 5a)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on level 5a.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- All chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
- The standard height for tables is 110cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
Eating and Drinking (B:Eats Cafe)
Level Change (Cloakroom)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the left of the box office.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 133cm (4ft 4in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the left of the box office.
- There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Cloakroom
- The Symphony Hall Cloakroom opens one hour before events start. Items cost £1.00 to store. If you lose your tag given, there will be a £5.00 charge. This cloackroom closes 15 minutes after an event / performace ends. The kiosk is situated at a height of 87cm.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 100m (109yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the Symphony Hall foyer.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from Security Staff or the Information Desk.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 245cm (5ft 9in x 8ft).
- There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is not a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste, general domestic waste and sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 5)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on level 5.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 180cm (5ft 5in x 5ft 11in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is not a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are open waste paper bin and sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 5a)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on level 5a.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 176cm (5ft 3in x 5ft 9in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 68m (74yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on level 5a.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 85m (92yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- There are additional standard toilets located on all levels.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents are not available in Braille.
- Documents are not available in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
- The assistance dog toilet area is located outside the venue.